Hill Recovering from Surgery After Neck and Back Injury

Channing Hill underwent successful surgery April 20, the jockey's father-in-law, trainer Wayne Catalano, reported April 21..

Hill had been hospitalized at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs, Ark., after suffering a neck and back injury when he was unseated April 17 in the second race at Oaklawn Park. He was released Tuesday afternoon.

"We've been blessed," said Catalano, who added there's no timetable for Hill's return, but noted former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning underwent the same surgery for a neck injury during his playing career.

Hill was aboard Easy Street Stable's Muskoka Wonder in a one-mile claiming event when the 4-year-old faded heading into the far turn and appeared to take a bad step. The Randy Morse trainee was euthanized.

Hill, a 32-year-old Nebraska native, posted a photo of himself in a neck brace Tuesday on Instagram along with a statement thanking his wife Shelbi and friends and family for their help, along with hospital staff.

"I made it home today sore but blessed," he wrote. "I am so humbled and grateful how many people (sent) well-wishes and prayers for my family and I. I can't say thanks enough to my family and friends that have helped my wife and I with the last couple of days. Also want to give a big shout-out and thanks to the CHI St. Vincent staff who just took wonderful care of me. Thank you Shelbi for taking care of everything, I love you."